Written by Caitlin Habenicht
Photos courtesy of: Sally Johnson and Brenda Lee
Photo: Brenda Lee
This year we celebrate 62 years of world class terrain and a community built by skiers and riders, for skiers and riders. The origins of Crystal Mountain are traced back to the mid-1950s, when a group of passionate skiers scouted the region for a suitable location to develop a ski area. They found their answer in the pristine backcountry of the Cascade Range, known for its reliable snowfall and diverse terrain—perfect for skiing and riding enthusiasts of all levels.
In 1955, these skiers presented a proposal to the U.S. Forest Service, and after several years of planning, the Crystal Mountain Winter Sports Area was born in 1958. Funding for the project came from about 200 investors who collectively raised the necessary capital through stock sales. Finally, in the winter of 1962, Crystal Mountain opened its doors to skiers.
With a few rope tows and just two double chairlifts, it didn’t take long for Crystal to make waves in the skiing world. In 1965, the National Alpine Championships took place here at Crystal Mountain, drawing some of the biggest names in skiing at the time, including Jimmie Huega, Billy Kidd, and Jean-Claude Killy. This event not only put Crystal on the map but also solidified its reputation as a destination for top-tier skiers.
In March of 1997, Boyne USA purchased Crystal Mountain. This family-owned corporation had been interested in the area for more than a decade and made a commitment to invest significantly. Under the terms of the sale, Boyne USA has already spent over $15 million on capital improvements.
Photo: Sally Johnson
Under the ownership of John Kircher, a Seattle-based Boyne family member, Crystal Mountain has added two new high-speed six-passenger chairlifts, one high-speed quad, and a 12,500 sq foot mid-mountain restaurant, and continued to expand resort operations while upgrading many facilities that we all know and love today.
The next major shift in Crystal Mountains history came in October 2018 when Alterra Mountain Company acquired the resort. Alterra Mountain Company owns and operates a portfolio of some of the most iconic year-round destinations across North America with a focus on mountain adventure.
Under Alterra’s ownership, Crystal Mountain has celebrated its first major capital project since the opening of Campbell Basin Lodge. This year, we proudly introduced Mountain Commons Lodge, a new 25,000-square-foot facility at the base. Alterra’s commitment to preserving the distinctive character of each destination, while delivering world-class experiences, remains a cornerstone of its strategy.
As we continue to grow as a resort, we thank our rad community for continuously supporting the current, and future generation of Crystal Mountain.
